NY Mets 2014

[Sausy]

Poor effort marred by a rough outing featuring control problems for promising rookie Rafael Montero, who had a reputation in the minors for superb control. Also a lousy bullpen job by Jose Valverde and Josh Edgin in the ninth which pushed the final margin to 9-4 after a Mets comeback in the sixth closed the gap to 6-4 after a two run homer by Curtis Granderson and a solo homer by Lucas Duda.

Not to be outdone the Mets wasted two bases loaded, one out scenarios.... apparently the Los Angeles Dodgers offense likes Citi Fielda lot more than the home team. One of the things that really has pissed me off lately is all this whining by some Mets(at least that's the way it looks in the media) about the "unfair" dimensions of Citi. Well guess what? Shea Stadium wasn't a power paradise either, and both are great pitchers parks. But it's not the offensive hell some cry about... for goodness sakes even suggesting some other baseball players would not want to come to Citi because of the dimensions is fucking ridiculous. The Mets also have shoertened some of the distances and reduced the worst distance problems...one thing the Wilpons have right is that they don't see the need to change the stadium to a hitter's paradise( home run wise) and say that like Shea Stadium they want to emphasize it being a pitcher's park. It's not like you can't score runs here either, but you have to use the field and the gaps and not try to hit everything out. Really with the alterations they already made from the first year, and if you try to use the whole field, the Mets can make much better use of their pitching home advantage. For goodness sakes Jose Reyes won a batting crown with the Mets a few years back getting on base and using the gaps, and if you tag it real good you can drive the ball out but you can't rely on hitting fly balls in this park, you gotta hit liners and sharp grounders and use the whole field and stop bitching. After all, SOMEONE scored a lot of runs last night....... unfortunately for Mets fans it wasn't you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Sausy]

Three home runs hit y a club at Citi... once again, it wasn't by the Mets. Jacob de Grom, another of the heralded army of top flight young arms in the Mets system, pitched well but gave up three solo homers and the Dodgers added another run on a mental error by reliever Jeurys Familia and confusion by infielders Daniel Murphy and Wilmer Flores causing the runner on third at the time to score. Final was 4-3 with the Mets paced by a two run homer by rookie Eric Campbell and adding another RBI on a groundout by Murph scoring Curtis Granderson but it wasn't enough. Dodgers hit homers by Adrian Gonzalez, his third game straight driving the ball out of the park, Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez.

It's just starting to get depressing again at Citi, and management's cheapskate ways when they've fucked the fans over through their crap with Madoff (don't care if it was their fault or not, they recently got good news any settlements they have to pay will be more than bearable and can be reduced depending on how much other money the Madoff victims lawyers get back). Now they just ouldn't pay up for even the rest of the year for Stephen Drew(just re-upped on a prorated 10 mil for the remainder of the season by Boston). I'm realy sick of the Wilpons, Sandy Alderson and the rest of the corporate suits running the club... just wish that idio Selig would have forced out the bungling Wilpons like he did the Mc Courts in LA. I'll always be a Mets fan but don't know if it isn't a curse the way things have gone since 2007. We looked so good then... even with the collapse of September or the Mets losing to the Cards in the seventh game of the 2006 LCS there was hope we'd come back but the weaknesses became increasingly pronounced and institutionalized and there is still a lot for the current Mets to get over to become a consistent, respected winning organization. Despite all the great young starters coming up through the system. I just don't know what to say sometimes

 

[syam24]

It has been a rough road for the Mets lately, with the lack of offense. Not enough bats in the lineup to compensate when the pitchers give up any runs at all. Once past David Wright in the lineup, it's almost like the opposing pitchers can go on cruise control. Aside from the occasional contribution from Chris Young, Duda, or Granderson, the bottom of the lineup is a mess. Flores had 3 hits last nite, so maybe he is settling in and relaxing a bit. Let's hope so, need to get this one tonite, but will be tough against Greinke. Lets go Mets!!

 

[syam24]

Nice win by the Mets over Greinke and the Dodgers last nite. Niese did a good job and helped out with an RBI double, Granderson had a big eighth inning triple for an insurance run and Mejia picked up the save with an easy ninth inning. This is more like what we should see on a regular basis. Hopefully, last nite is a prelude to jumping on the Dbacks over the weekend. Let's go Mets!!

 

[Sausy]

Been a few days but was just tired of the ups and downs... beating Greinke was great but the close loss again last night just making my point of being frustrated with all the damn inconsistency. I'd love it if it were our modus operandi in the close games to be the club that more often than not finds a way to win. Wheeler yesterday showed both what frustrates about him not being sharp early and given up three runs but then believing in his stuff and holding the Diamondbacks down only allowing the three runs in six and two thirds innings. But the bugaboos of not hitting in the clutch with men on base keeps rearing its ugly head and we never seem to be able to put teams away other than the occasional streak or game... then everything goes back to usual, which is mainly frustration inducing. David Wright had a big game with three hits iincluding a homer to get us to 32 but nuthin doin after that for anyone else.

Doubleheader today... I'm working but definitely will keep up with the scores, hope we can take one at least. Will post late tonight or early tomorrow about the games today. Let's keep the faith like syam and shout "Let's go, Mets!"

 

[sonny10305]

With Saucy and Syam keeping you guys up to date on the Mets I wanna focus on the return of Ike Davis to Citi field for three games. Last week we had a home coming of sorts for Justin Turner who was here playing the Mets as a Dodger. Then last night Ike came into town with the Pirates to catch up with his ole buddies at Citi. Things for Ike have turned around for him, you may recall I wrote about the Ike man’s struggles when he first came to the Pirates but he is doing better now thank you very much. Ike is the Pirates' new cleanup hitter after manager Clint Hurdle decided it was time to give Ike a shot at that spot one he is very comfortable in. Plus it could take some pressure off Pedro Alvarez who has been struggling by moving him down in the order. Hurdle is an Ike fan who knows very well what Ike can do if given the right spot and he told Ike when he moved him up in the lineup to relax and remember that hitting home runs is not a prerequisite for keeping the job. Hurdle has tried to back off putting the label of Ike being the guy who had to hit home runs saying he needs to stay calmed down. And always keep in mind that while sure there is the security that comes with knowing he's going to get at-bats, and never wonder if this is his last at-bat, and it has helped Ike a ton. Lately Ike has received consistent playing time and he has responded with consistent production. In fact as of Saturday he was hitting .338 in May and .375 in his home park at PNC. It has absolutely helped and Ike for sure understands he doesn't have to be the guy in the spot he's in, he knows he needs to take ownership give a good quality at-bat. His confidence level has soared since the move he is one happy Ike man. As to his new role in cleanup Ike said he will not change his approach now in cleanup he feels that all he needs is solid contact and having a good at-bat, It is after all about how he swings the bat he knows and will tell you as long as you're having good at-bats, it don’t matter if he hits 6, 5 or 4, it should seem the same. Pirates manager also said in moving Ike up in the order he liked Ike’s on-base ability knowing he'll take a walk, and he can drive a runner in from first and he also felt that this way the lineup is set up with Ike he has a player that can drive in a run from first base and a guy that can get on base in front of McCutchen. To give you an idea of how much better Ike is hitting since I last wrote about his struggles, early with his new team, In his last 13 games Ike is hitting .410 which by the way is good for second-best in the National League and yup he's given the Pirates something they've longed for all season: production from their first baseman.

I told you guys did I not to worry about Ike and that he will turn it around since he arrived in Pittsburgh where he almost immediately went into a slumber going 3-for-32 stretch in 12 games from mid-April to mid-May that included 21 straight at-bats without a hit. But that ha all changed now and Ike has raised his averaged with the Pirates to .286 in case you forgot it was .208 with the Mets.

My wish for Ike is the same thing I had for Turner and as I told them I wanted them to have great games against the Met and that would include a homer or two. Turner did hit one out of Citi to the joy if all of us who love him and now its Ike’s turn to do the same. Yeah I know strange talk form a Mets fan but I gave to put friendships first even over my Mets and when it comes to Justin and Ike I want nothing but success for both of them with their new teams even if it means beating the Mets who by the way treated both of them badly ….very badly and so now it’s revenge time. Turner had a blast when he was here last week a bunch of the guys led by DWright took JT out to dinner and a great time was had by all. Even on the field you could see the fun side between Justin and the guys, at one point when Murph hit one out to Justin he snagged the ball and threw Murph out at first then as Murph left the field he looked back at Justin and there he was grinning and shaking his head indicating no no not this time big boy and that was real fun to see. The affection between the guys was awesome. Later Murph got even he hit another one to Justin who misplayed the ball and Daniel beat it out to take frost base all of which made it miss the good ole days when the guys played together. So today Ike will be on the field against his old teammates and it will be fun for sure.

As you guys know Ike was traded when he first base job went to Duda and I guess Lucas has been thinking about the return of Davis this week and has gone into some series slumping on Saturday Duda went 0-for-4 and stranded seven runners against Arizona. That include striking out in the first inning with the bases loaded, swinging at a pitch high and out of the strike zone. Yikes!
Then in the eighth inning, with the Mets trailing by a run, Duda flied out with runners on first and second and one out. Yikes again. Thing is if ya think about it Duda hasn’t done much to make the Mets believe they made the right choice. Since the trade, Duda is hitting just .220 or 20 for about 90 and he was hitting .275 with three homers and nine RBI in 14 games before the trade. Conversely Davis is hitting .295 with six doubles, two homers, including a grand slam, and 10 RBI with the Pirates. As a Met he was batting .208 with one homer and five RBI in 12 games. Please don’t misunderstand it’s not that I don’t like Duda quite the opposite really he is a sweet kid with a load of talent but with the Ike man coming to Citi let’s just say it makes Lucas is a bit nervous. Nah, just kidding, first of all Ike and Lucas are good close friends plus nothing rattles that kid he is unflappable so laid back I know he feels he will bounce back just not till Ike leaves town again 

Eric Young Jr is out on the DL with hamstring injury looking forward to seeing Matt den Decker who will replace Eric

 

[syam24]

I see Noah Syndagaard is heading to Ny to have his right forearm and elbow looked at. Here we go again....

 

[Sausy]

Thanks sonny, so much good stuff about Ike, JT and their still deep and playful friendships with their ex Met teammates. It's great the bonds of friendship will always be there. Glad also to see Ike really starting to play well, and just do his thing and not worry about home runs. God knows, the boy is strong. He gets one good, he'll hit it out.. he's even done that here quite a few times, and like sonny suggests, maybe again in a Pittsburgh uniform this series for ole times sake?

Duda's a good kid but he's got to relax. If not, maybe Wilmer Flores gets the opportunity there next. It might be his best future position, anyway an everyone expects him to at least hit for high average and at least moderate(15-20) power.

I'm heartbroken about reading this sudden distressing Noah Syndegaard news that syam just posted about. Mets say it's just a strain but who's going to really believe that at this point? I mean, this is a big strong young man who doesn't have a violent motion but the third in the past year already on the Mets (Hefner and Harvey) and Jon Niese has given us shoulder scares as well. It's almost a pandemic among young pitchers throughout baseball now. If true, we'll be lucky to see Noah at Citi even in September of 2015 instead of after this year's All Star break. Instead of being excited about all the young pitchers we have now it's almost like "when's the next shoe to drop".. Wheeler, Montero? Hate this crap... that's why the Mets should be going after in trades free agency and the draft good offensive players and defensive players . Players that get on base(because of their natural selectiveness and good judgment rather than some blind allegiance to a system), hit the ball to all fields and move runners over and are very opportunistic and can manufacture when necessary a run here and there. Having good pitching, good defense and an aggressive, take it to the defense offensive approach is what we need to become consistently contenders. Putting too many eggs in the starting pitching basket, while there's a chance that will pan out like now most often you risk it blowing up in your face. Just never easy being a Mets fan these days, but not going to give in to despair.

 

[syam24]

Well, after another disappointing loss, following an outstanding start from de Grom, the Mets cut Valverde, who gave up the final 4 Pirates runs today. Except for a couple of decent outings, he has shown very little and was only getting worse. The Mets also fired the hitting coach, Dave Hudgins putting the Mets hitting woes on his shoulders. It is exasperating watching these guys failing to get runners home from scoring position. Of course we got the typical Duda HR today, nobody on, down by 3 runs in the ninth. Perhaps the sun will shine tomorrow, Let's go Mets!!!

 

[sonny10305]

I should know more about Syndergaard later today he called Ike’s last night and said he would let us know how it all goes at the docs today but he sounded pretty good no worries so we will see cause ya never know with that kinda injury but his attitude was really good. Ike still has his place in NY Eric Campbell is living at the apartment here while he is up from Vegas, got to spend some time with him after the game yesterday nice level headed kid I liked him a lot. Spoke with Vic Black says he is getting another shot staring today I hope it works this time he has the talent just needs time to prove it.

We jokingly goofed on den Decker after his at bat last night man would he have loved a hit in that spot.

I was in the crowd last night at Citi when that roaring cheer and appreciation for Ike from Met fans yesterday; made me so proud of our boy NY fans still love him I actually chocked up when the cheers went out quite a thrill

As to the changes lemme tell you no one is happy about Hudge getting the boot the guys feel like they let him down and it is more their fault than his for the lack of offense. He was a great guy loved by the boys hard working and caring and a friend they are all gonna miss. As to Valverde good goodbye and good luck somewhere else I have seen enough of him

 

[Sausy]

The problem with Dave Hudgens is that as well liked as he was the Mets have had long bouts of either not being able to score runs or getting on base but leaving tons of runners on base. Something had to give, and it just wasn't working but I saw the announcements/interviews with Sandy Alderson and TC after the game and you can tell personally it was difficult because of long standing friendships with Dave. It's fine that the players felt they let Dave down and want to defend him but there were too many shake your head at bats, too many strikeouts, too many slumps and funks, too many instances of guys getting on base but being stranded there. The Mets rate of scoring with the bases loaded or two runners on is alarmingly low for the proportion of times they occur. Stop saying you're sorry and start performing, or the boys will cry about the same thing of letting new hitting coach Lamar Johnson down. Eventually TC and the Mets have to just put in the guys who are performing, and get others from within or outside the system to pick up the slack. Enough is enough.... I feel for Dave but results are the only thing that counts. It's been the same old crap in one form or another since the collapses of 2007 and 2008 and good intentions and apologies aren't enough, ya gotta play better, smarter, more fundamentally sound and win more.

Glad to see the reaction for Ike, a really positive one and I'm glad Mets fans were overwhelmingly positive. He walked in two official at bats but it's good to see his bat has really come alive in May overall. The power will come, just gotta stay confident. Eric Campbel seems like a nice young man, and a potentially solid role player/ backup outfielder. Nice swing, good versatility, plays hard and knows what he's doing out there. Glad he's staying in Ike's old place and hope he does well. Same thing for Vic Black, hopefully he's got his command together because he has the big fastball and some other outstanding pitches.

LOL on Matt den Dekker... he's a goofball as Sonny knows, a real good kid and hop he can show he belongs too this round up. But, oy... the strikeout!!!!!!!

Fingers crossed that ewe get good news regarding Noah Syndegaard's elbow scare.... you just don't want another Tommy John surgery casualty, so many young pitchers now getting it!

 

[sonny10305]

Fingers crossed that ewe get good news regarding Noah Syndegaard's elbow scare.... you just don't want another Tommy John surgery casualty, so many young pitchers now getting it!

Noah is fine docs said absolutely no problem everything came up negative he has been given some exercise to do and is heading back to Vegas tonight he should be pitching in a day or two. He sounded great he felt all along that he would be fine and that's turned out to be the case. Whew!

 

[Ninja108]

I have a feeling Jose Valverde's career is just about over. And it couldn't haven't happened to a nice guy. His in your face celebrations always rubbed me the wrong way.

 

[Sausy]

Yep, sonny glad to hear about Noah's clean bill of health. Supposedly he's going to have to do some shoulder strengthening exercises which are designed that less stress be put on the forearm and elbow. Hopefully that helps and keeps him from any near term reaggravation or worsening that could lead to Tommy John surgery in the future. Just with so many young pitchers needing the surgery (even Jacob de Grom, who has been outstanding in his several starts so far, had the procedure done a few years back) any hint of forearm strain indicating elbow problems is a big concern but thankfully things turned out as good as they did for Noah and he can resume pitching very quickly.

Nothing pro or against Jose Valverde's antics but he just failed too many times in crucial situations. Just like Kyle Farnsworth the Mets cut their losses and dumped him based on lack of performance. Some are saying Sandy Alderson's approach of getting veterans at a relative bargain price for the bullpen hasn't worked but certainly after a bumpy start last year Dice K has done a pretty damn good job, even had a great spot start the other day to help save the bullpen. Also LaTroy Hawkins was often quite good last year but simply wanted more money than the Mets wanted to spend for this season, and went elsewhere. That said, it's good the Mets are trying to emphasize more young pitching development in the pen. Vin Black wasn't totally sharp but made big pitches striking out Ike Davis with the bases loaded in the sixth and another after two two out hits in the seventh.

On the day after the big move that had Sandy Alderson reluctantly fire his long time friend and protégé Dave Hutchens and replace him with longtime Mets minor league organization hitting coordinator Lamar Johnson Mets scored a nice win over the Pirates 4-2. Jon Niese was in control early allowing only two hits into the sixth but ran out of gas with three walks in the inning and allowed a two run single that tied the score at 2 before giving way for the just recalled from AAA Las Vegas Vin Black who like I said wasn't totally sharp but made the big pitches. Then Jennry Mejia came in for the last two innings and gave one of those rare six out saves... after reluctantly going to the pen he seems to be very resilient after an off game and relishes the new position he has, for at least this year, as the newest Mets closer in Bobby Parnell's absence.

Biggest hits came in the bottom of the sixth when Juan Lagares broke the tie with a run scoring single and Daniel Murphy drove him home with a double. Timely hitting, something Mets fans, players and organization want to see a lot more of after too many close, frustrating losses.

Just a note... the diving, running catch Pittsburgh center fielder Andrew Mc Cutchen made on Lagares earlier was incredible.... watched it again on You Tube and he ranged over 70 feet so quickly to make the diving grab. But as I mentioned, Lagares would get the last laugh getting the tie breaking hit before scoring on the double by Murph. I don't know which was better though... this or the amazing diving catch in right during the series against the Dodgers here at Citi Field by Yasiel Puig.

 

[syam24]

Good day for the Mets with a victory and the positive news on Syndagaard. Niese pitched well until he gave up those 3 walks as he appeared to tire. I tired of the trips to the mound by Recker, don't know if that threw Niese out of rhythm or not, but it irritated me no end. Effective work by Vic Black and Mejia out of the bullpen put a good finish on the game. THey were by no means clean innings, but got the job done without folding like a cheap suitcase. Need some innings from Colon today, so Let's go Mets!!

 

[syam24]

Great job by Colon and Familia in shutting out the Pirates on THurs. That outing will put the bullpen back in a better position with a 5 game series vs the Phillies this weekend. DWright and Lucas Duda each contributed an HR and two RBI to the victory. DWright has been on fire lately, and he usually hits well in Philly, so I look for a good weekend from the Mets. Hopefully others in the lineup will also contribute. Lets go Met!!

 

[sonny10305]

There ya go all we needed was a new hitting coach and we win games at Citi how bout that
Well of course I am being sarcastic clearly is was the piss poor playing by the Pirates both defensively and offensively that worked towards our winning any of the games. But look; at least with those wins we get a chance to take a deep breath and maybe even exhale a bit maybe we can stop thinking about who is next to get the ax cause if a losing streak becomes 8 or 9 game we have to worry about Collins. Let’s face It; or a while there things were beginning to get really dark for the Mets we needed to bounce back even just a bit especially at home where we have played so badly.At least for a while we can move on until of course the next crisis.

I hope you guys caught yesterday game in for no other reason but to see Murphy who is such a fun player to watch like that little league triple yesterday when thru a couple of throwing errors by the Pirates Murph was able to just keep on running almost knocking down any Pirates in his path man oh man that’s just our boy Murphy If you guys get to attend any of the games do yourself a favor and keep an eye on Murph when he is one the field both as a base runner or 2nd baseman cause he is always up to something out there wildly entertaining you just never know what he might pull very very fun to watch is the Murph.

Weantime I just had to tell you guys about Justin Turner who is really beginning to tear it up with the Dodgers. JT made two outstanding defensive plays the other night, in fact his play impressed Reds manager Bryan Price who said "The guy that stands out more than anyone was the job Turner did at third base, making a couple of great plays think he made three above-average plays on the infield that denied us hits”
I should mention that Justin also worked out a 16 pitch walk, nice JT The Dodgers play Ike Davis and the Pirates this weekend but is out in LA so I won’t be going to that but the Dodgers will play in Pittsburgh in late July and I will be going to the games can’t miss Ike and Justin play together I will also attend the games in late June when the Mets go to Pittsburgh. Gotta see Ike and he Mets play again it was a hoot to watch Ike Murph and Duda goofin on the field between plays serious fun that.

Back in AAA Vegas Kirk Nieuwenhuis had two home runs, a double and a single yesterday looking forward to his return to Flushing I mean come on the Chris Young experiment failed let’s get Kirk or Decker back out there and maybe give grandma Granderson some time off as well.

But the absolute highlight of my day yesterday came with news from Nick Evans who joined the Diamondbacks. I am sure you remember Nick whom I have written about many times. He was a Met for a while and has had a string of bad luck trying to make it in the majors. Nick grew up in Arizona and like any kid growin up there dreamed about being a D’Back some day. So this latest move is a big deal to Nick with his promotion from Triple-A Reno. Like I said he has had more than his share of bad luck missing a season because of injury and getting cut last spring by the Dodgers. With the Pirates in 2012 he broke just about all the bones in his hand and injured his wrist after falling on his hand while diving for a bunt. Evans took the rest of the season to recover, but it was tough finding job after that so thank you Diamondbacks who picked him up not long after the Dodgers let him loose. It was tough on him missing a whole year, and then getting released in spring training last year. It was beginning to get to him as he started to think what the heck will happen next so this is very special for Nick he really needed this now. Just to fill you in Nick split time between the Mets and the minors from 2008-2011.He played close to 60 games in the outfield and about 50 at first base in his four seasons with the Mets hitting .256 with eight home runs and 46 RBI. In Reno Nick split time almost evenly between first base, third base and left field. He says he feels comfortable at all three positions. With Arizona he most likely will be used in the beginning as a right-handed bat off the bench but there Is a good chance he will get a few starts as well Of course I follow Nick I have since first knowing him, and this season in Reno he hit .335 with 15 doubles, 11 home runs and 44 RBIs in 44 games this made him ranking among league leaders. He was tied for first in the Pacific Coast League in RBI, was third in OPS and slugging percentage, and tied for third in total bases. He was named the PCL player of the week recently when he had seven extra-base hits and 15 RBI. Unfortunately the D’Backs won’t be at Citi any more this year too bad too cause it would have been great to see Nick play against Daniel Murphy the two were roommates for a while and are close friends. Right now I m o very happy for my boy Nick who is embracing it all. The the D’Backs will play the Pirates in early July and of course I will be there hopefully Nick will be in the lineup or pinch hit.

 

[Sausy]

A good win yesterday and two in a row to win a series for the first time in about a month, so it's definitely good to see. Cynicism is understandable, hey these are the Mets and good fortune hasn't lasted over the past few years, too many frustrations, disappointments and god awful efforts to forget easily but it's much better to come out with the "w". Bartolo Colon was excellent going seven and a third innings and giving up five hits, no runs, one walk and nine strikeouts helping the Mets to a 5-0 victory for the 2nd straight win in the Lamar Johnson era. David Wright came through twice with a run scoring single and solo homer and Lucas Duda added a two run rocket in the eighth to break it open. Jeurys Familia went the last inning and two thirds giving Jennry Mejia a night off and filled in admirably. Colon struck out his 2,000th batter of his career, Ike Davis ironically.

Glad to hear sonny about JT doing well in LA and making some really good plays that got him notice and props. The circumstances of his leaving the Mets still piss me off too but playing for the Dodgers is a great opportunity especially him being a West Coast boy. You give JT some playing time, his stats may not be eye opening but he gets the job done and comes up with clutch plays at bat and in the field. I think you poll Dodger players he's as popular in his new club as he was with his boys at Citi Field. Dodgers did well to pick him up and just glad he's doing fine after the offseason Mets shit. I tell ya, I'm always going to love the Mets but some of the assholes that run the club(not necessarily Sandy Alderson, though at times he frustrates me too)are such two faced corporate phonies and along with the Wilpons Madoff crap make it tough.

Yeah loved reading but Captain Kirk last night, with the great night including the two home runs, hopefully he keeps it up and soon gets the call to come back here. I appreciate Chris Young putting in the offseason work to straighten himself out but the past month he's been awful.

Murph is a hoot... he works hard and plays seriously but also has a lot of fun, he really is aggressive out there on the bases. His brother has the real speed in the family but Murph stealing bases and taking extra bases and just keeping everyone on their toes and being Murph, like sonny knows all too well there's never a dull moment!


It really made me happy to see that Nick Evans has been able to work his way back up to the majors and doing it for the team he rooted for growing up, the Diamondbacks must really feel special. I remember from sonny's posts when Nick was here just how highly he thought of Nick as a player and person. When he was up with the Mets he always did what he was asked, constantly it seemed going back down to AAA then coming up again... at times when he was given steady playing time he was impressive but in the end the Mets decided to go with Ike Davis(who sonny feels as we know similarly strongly about) and Nick struggled to make his way back up. Thankfully he was able to hook up with Arizona and did a great job with their AAA affiliate and deserves this opportunity to get back to the majors and at hopefully he can stick this time. No doubt he'll go all out on the effort. Thanks sonny on all the updates, always greatly appreciated!

 

[syam24]

Another victory with another great starting pitching performance, this time from Zach Wheeler, who at one point retired 14 straight batters. His 9 K's were signs of how he had the Phils off balance all nite. The bullpen pitched in, and a solid save performance from Mejia, who struck out the side in the ninth. Chris Young came thru with a clutch 2 run homer, and a good thing he did, for once again the Mets failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities to blow the game open. Bases loaded, none out, only got them one run on d'Arnaud's double play grounder. 0 for 3 with the bags loaded, seems damn near impossible, but our Mets defy the odds in not getting runners in. All in all, a good victory, 3 in a row! Would be nice to really get on a good roll, Let's go Mets!!!

 

[Sausy]

After three victories our boys luck couldn't last and they wound up on the short end of the stick 6-5 in 14 very long(over five hours) innings in Philadelphia. As promising as Zack Wheeler looked appearing much more like the potential ace everyone believes he could be Rafael Montero lasted less then five innings and walked several giving up four runs and may be on his way down to AAA Las Vegas. He's known as a very good command guy who rarely walked batters before starting to have command problems at AAA with it continuing to be problematic since joining the Mets. Other than Dice K who came in and gave up another run until Mejia came in the bullpen was superb. But it wasn't enough.

More bases loaded woes, has there been a season so far more futile so far than this one for the Mets to get some runners home in these almost gimmee situations? Bobby Abreu with two hits, an RBI and his 400th stolen base was the big star, Lucas Duda doubled in a run but was ineffective in a couple of clutch situations. Topping things off wa Chris Young's two base error in the 11th which set up the winning run for the Phillies and made a loser out of closer Jennry Mejia. Rubber game of the series today, hopefully with some better results. The inability though, even seen during the past three game winning streak, to get them home after getting them on base... particularly bases loaded or two runners on, is very disconcerting. Anyway, as syam says "Let's go, Mets!"